Book Backdrop for Ron’s Big Mission by Rose Blue – Object #1

Brooklyn Public Library, Children's Room, from librarians' desk

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<p>In this black and white photograph, a female librarian sits behind a desk while one girl asks her a question. Other children sit around round tables and at benches. The room has a tall ceiling and bright sunlight. Shelves of books are in the background.</p>

1941 photograph of the children’s room of the Brooklyn Public Library

Questions:

Describe the people, objects and activities you see in this photograph.

How can you tell this photograph was taken in the past? Give evidence from the photo to support your answer.

How are libraries in the past different from libraries today? How are they the same?

Citations

Gottscho-Schleisner, Inc., “Brooklyn Public Library (Ingersoll Memorial), Prospect Park Plaza, Brooklyn. Children’s Room, from librarians’ desk,” 1941. Gottscho-Schleisner Collection, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.